Print This Page
Foundation Degree
Policing
- Duration:
- Two years, full-time
- Start Dates:
- September 2012
- Attendance:
- Over two or three days a week in the University with a further day in the workplace as a Special Constable working within a range of policing teams in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
- Venue:
- Appropriate places within the southern part of the Thames Valley Police area (including High Wycombe)
Overview
This is a full-time two-year course that will be of interest to anyone who is looking to embark on a career specifically in policing, although the content is relevant within the wider criminal justice sphere. In conjunction with Thames Valley Police, this course has been designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and critical understanding of the practical nature of ‘policing’ as well as the necessary theory that underpins this complex world.
The focus of this programme is on the work-based learning element with Thames Valley Police. Ensuring you have the ability to learn in a safe modern environment we will make full use of our Code of Practice Suite which includes a mock bedsit, custody desk and suspect interview room. In addition, practical scenarios will take place in and around our town campus. This course builds on the unique relationship with Thames Valley Police that has been developed with the University over several years; it is specifically designed to develop your employability skills and requires you to be responsible, responsive, dedicated and assured. These are essential skills for full engagement in a course that is designed to stretch and test you in one of the most demanding fields of employment.
The placement element of this course will require you to participate in work-based learning by working as a Special Constables with Thames Valley Police with a minimum of one shift a week. You will be supported through your initial training by your own Tutor Constable from Thames Valley Police who will be on hand for guidance and support during the time spent working as a Special Constable. Once Fit for Accompanied Patrol you will work with a range of Officers undertaking policing duties.
Successful completion of the Foundation Degree, in addition to the Special Constable training, will lead you to be considered for employment by Thames Valley Police, subject to the successful completion of the national police selection process. The course is also mapped to the National Occupational Standards for Policing as well as to the Policing Diploma to ensure that these credits can be recognised nationally and are transferable outside of the Thames Valley Police area.
Content
This programme of study will consist of a number of compulsory modules with themes including criminal justice, criminal law, domestic abuse, mental health and disability, diversity, youth justice, officer safety training and court proceedings.
You will be taught by both University staff and serving police officers. This credible mix ensures the correct application of both theory and practice. The selection process for the course includes an assessment for suitability to join the Special Constabulary, enabling you to commence as a Special Constable at the beginning of the course. Training as Special Constable continues throughout the first year, working towards the specific measured target of ‘Fitness for Accompanied Patrol’ (FAP) by the end of your first year. Your personal development is integral both to the role of a Special Constable and to your time at the University. By the end of the degree you will be able to show, via your portfolio of evidence, that you have achieved a range of policing competencies including academic and practical knowledge to be assessed as ‘Fit for Independent Patrol’.
Throughout the course we will offer you the opportunity to role-play practical based scenarios in the newly equipped Code of Practice Suite. This takes place alongside more traditional classroom based learning such as lectures, seminars and workshops. Specific course trips (e.g. Magistrate Courts) also enhance the learning process and the course will be fully supported by e-learning facilities.
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff score between 240–280. This score can be achieved from passes in two 6-unit GCE A-levels/AVCEs or from a pass in a 12-unit AVCE. In addition, students will be required to have a minimum of grade C in Mathematics and English at GCSE.
All applicants will be required to undertake an interview as part of the selection process. It is also a requirement to pass the Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary selection criteria. For further information please visit Thames Valley Police Jobs – Volunteer Police Officer
Further opportunities
After completion of the Foundation Degree it is expected that students would look to gain employment within the police service. The course is specifically targeted at ensuring that you graduate as a highly competent Special Constable who is trained and educated to a level that is in keeping with a shortened progression route into policing. It is also recognised that this career choice may not be suitable for every applicant and as such the foundation subjects of criminology, sociology, law and psychology are included in the programme and will provide transferable skills and knowledge relevant to other related agencies in the criminal justice and voluntary sector. These may include the Home Office, the National Crime Agency, the Prison and Probation Service, Community Partnerships, Youth Offending Teams, and Drug Action Teams.
It is important to note that this course does not automatically guarantee you a job as Police Officer on completion. Individuals will still need to successfully complete the national police assessment and apply direct to their chosen police service.
The course does however provide you with the relevant knowledge and experience to prepare you for this assessment. In addition, if you are successful in becoming a police officer it will shorten the length of your training (within Thames Valley Police) through recognising and accrediting your prior learning in the Foundation Degree.
After completion of the Foundation Degree, you will have the opportunity to enrol for a one year full-time or two year part-time programme which offers a ‘top up’ to an honours degree in policing or a related field of practice.
How to make an application
For entry onto this course, you will need to apply online through UCAS at ucas.ac.uk
Buckinghamshire New University has a unique institute and course number which you will need to quote on your application form in order that your application is sent to us.
Institution code: B94
Course Code: LL36
If you require further information about the course please contact the Enquiries Team on 0800 0565 660 or advice@bucks.ac.uk.
Students funded by the NHS or other employer
If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.